How Airbnb reckons it can change the traveller experience

Airbnb has set out to transform travel. Not only how we book travel through a more beautiful user experience, but also how we are inspired to travel.

There has been a great deal of discussion around what the launch of Trips means for Airbnb… and for travel more broadly (if anything).

Commentary has come from all quarters, both within the company itself and from those on the outside looking in. But what does it really mean for the future of Airbnb, and what does Airbnb Trips mean for the future of travel?

NB: This is an analysis by Andrew McConnell, co-founder and CEO at Rented.com.

Is this the start of something transformative? Or is the offering of 500 “Trips” – many only offered a few days each week – merely a beautiful distraction?

In fact, does it signal Airbnb’s acceptance of itself as an online travel agency? Or is it a violent revolt against the very concept?